The Adler Planetarium in Chicago opened its doors to the public in 1930, complete with three full sized theatres and a significant collection of antique scientific instruments dating back to the late 15th century, acquired by wealthy businessman Max Adler. He had learned of a sale of astronomical instruments and antiques by W. M. Mensing in Amsterdam, which he purchased in its entirety.

Miniature Sun Dials

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Today while the planetarium inspires exploration and understand of the universe upstairs, down below, theyíre also hiding an incredible archive of the museumís curiosities that arenít on display. The Webster Institute for the History of Astronomy cares for Adlerís collections, and occasionally has Ďexplorer daysí when they let the public come and poke around their cabinets.

Epic Planetariums and Rare Telescopes

And of course Pocket Globes for gentlemen who get caught rustling their pants with a hand in their pocket.

When as a kid I visited Adler and watched the planetarium projector show, there was a segment in which they projected lines to connect the stars that formed various constellations. After a few of the better known ones, they did one just for the youngest viewers - constellation Snoopy! Adler may have done it first.